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MADRID, Spain – Spanish officials say police have smashed a drug-smuggling ring and arrested 36 people in southern Spain on suspicion of trafficking in more than 8.6 metric tons (9.4 short tons) of hashish.

Police said Saturday that the investigation began in August when officers uncovered evidence that an organization was using the mouth of the southwestern Guadalquivir River to import drugs.

The suspects used high powered rigid-hulled inflatable boats and other craft to bring the drugs from Morocco.

The statement said 10 properties were searched and arrests made in Seville, Sanlucar de Barrameda, Coria del Rio and Chipiona, while the suspected gang leader was nabbed in Algeciras.

A firearm with armoured bullet tips was seized alongside the drugs and nine vehicles. It was not immediately clear when the arrests were made.